My first day

Well, not at a new school, but in this new version of life with two whole days for my art business. No not weekends any more (although try to keep me out of that studio I dare you!) , I’m talking about giving up a paid part time job to claw back some time…

It has been years in the making, trying to find the space for my chosen love of my life…illustration and surface pattern design (let’s call it SPD for the sake of brevity). And working in the margins of all the other work takes its toll. No-one should really be working (especially at a screen) seven days a week. It changes you as a person, and probably makes you a pretty one-dimensional friend.

So I plucked up the courage, and with a little sadness thrown in, gave notice at the job that had given me some security for the past 5 or so years. GULP. 

Now I have to put on my big girl undies and make a go of it! No more hiding behind my ‘commitments’. But I am also massively, giddily excited, and maybe that will keep me going in the lean times. Last night, while reading my current book, (Yes I am making time to READ! Whaaaat?) ‘Reasons Not to Worry’ by Brigid Delaney, I came across this little nugget:

“People are realising there’s got to be a better way to do life. That way may involve a reduction in income or security lost but, in return, you may get your time back.”

What a co-inkidink!

So now I just need to tame the wild abandon that can be my creative mind, and get some order and some processes in place, but I won’t bore you with that until another time ;0)

Somehow I feel like this transition away from jobs that bleed us of our life force, and into a life dedicated to SPD and illustration is common to so many of us. Do you have a similar story?

I’d love to hear it!  Stay in touch!

Cheers to a new day my friends. 

Love

Tamsin